[MARCB1881]

Hello

Would really appreciate some advice.

I currently own a GTV 2.0 T.Spark but fancy a newer diesel Alfa.

I only drive about 8-10k miles a year but don't really want a 2.2 jts becuase of the tax and insurance plus resale. However I'm sure it's a lovely car.

The 1.9 seems ideal and was concerned that I would not being doing enough miles for the 2.4. I think I could live with MPG on the 2.4 but have been told that it needs big miles and my 30-40 miles a day would not be suitable for this car. However the 2.4 is in the Brera and must not have to do big journeys.

I've seen a black, 90k TI for 9K at Second City Cars. I would purchase the warranty for piece of mind as I have no abilty to fix cars etc. Just concerned the miles might be a bit too high, however I'm sure the engine is capable it's just the cost of replacing other bits and pieces.

What type of things are going to go wrong with a car with miles like that?

I'm suren the 1.9 would be more than enough but this looks like a lovely example and because of the low miles mpg shouldn't be a problem and I would have the extra power.

p.s what are the servicing costs? It has full ASH but may take it to an independant garage.

Thank you for your time and any advice about onwership etc would be greatly appreciated


Cheers


Marc.

 

[73GTVJim]

Hi Marc and welcome to AO.

I think the 1.9Ti is a great choice.

The 1.9 has a slight handling advantage over the 2.4 due to less weight in the nose and it is more economical though many swear by the sound and grunt of the bigger engine especially in later 210bhp form.

You can get close with a mapped 1.9 though for a few hundred quid and still get 46mpg instead of 25 -28 (I've heard worse and better) from the 2.4. I haven't had mine mapped but going off the many local guys' experience if I kept her I'd probably have mine done by Gus at Alfatune which gives you the best of both world's. Having driven Happy Man's old 1.9GT and been in Acapulco Al's 159 I'd vouch that it is seriously noticeably quicker and they say more economical too, so win-win. I also saw a Gus mapped 1.9GT give Ghosty's (now ex) 147GTA a very hard time around Oulton park last year from the passenger seat.

I've loved my Ti and it has had no problems worth mentioning (see sig below for running commentary). MPG has improved with miles now over 40 per tank and I can't recommend them enough.

I'm just deciding whether to change car - really tempted to buy out the GFV on my PCP for another two years while the Giulia arrives. At the risk of sounding like I'm pushing a sale, I will be getting a CAP valuation via my kid brother who buys vans and cars for a hire co (tomorrow if he remembers) and I'll be looking for somewhere between trade and retail for mine if you're interested. Certainly don't think it'd be much more than what you've seen (above) and at 47k almost half the mileage for a known car can't be bad. Feel free to ask in the NW lounge - everyone knows my car. If you want any info drop me a PM.

You asked about servicing costs. Main dealers quoted me a bit over £500 for the 42k service (done early) but Gus does a better job for about half the price. You might have a good indie over there though.

 

[Padders]

The 1.9 is a peach. Remapped, it's a peach on steroids.

Some pages which might help:

Alfa 159 Buyers Guide
Alfa 159 Servicing Costs

 

[73GTVJim]

The link to Jamie Porter's website is useful but note the later 1.9 has a 21k service interval not the 18 suggested in his menu.

 

[Scruples]

I'm still in the honeymoon period with mine and am loving it. I think Jim has covered everything pretty succinctly for you there!

As mentioned the steering is a bit heavier in the 2.4, but the cornering itself is imroved by the ti spec anyway. I opted for the extra punch over mpg but of course it depends on what works for you. Both engines suit different markets.